Travellers' Guide To Great Ocean Road - Wiki Travel Guide - Travellerspoint All the while, Tyler and Kara were screaming with delight, laughing afterwards. Sightseeing Time: 4 hours. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. The whole trail is about 15km, but your best chances for spotting the cute indigenous animals are about 6km in atGrey River. Depart from Melbourne in the morning, and begin your Great Ocean Road journey. The spectacular Great Ocean Road hugs the seaside cliffs that snake along the wild and windswept Southern Ocean. Melbourne to Adelaide 2 Day Tour (Single Room) - kilroy.net Distance: 507km / 7 hours roundtrip. The driving distance from Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road is 446 km. We want to book accommodation as we go . Bunyip Tours: See above for that. Stretching over 243km (150mi), among this dramatic coastline's iconic attractions there's a mecca of bucket-list-worthy experiences. After passing through Port Campbell, youll pass by The Arch and London Bridge. Any advice greatly appreciated! Although most Great Ocean Road tours offer snacks they might be limited and since you are in for a long day its best to stock up on extra snacks and beverages for the road. . Loch Ard Gorge is a breathtaking natural formation just a short distance from the 12 apostles. Includes: 4 nights' accommodation, 5 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car, continental breakfast in Barossa Valley and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps. The area has a forest of gum and eucalyptus trees which are the main food source of koalas. For those strapped for time, a visit to just Port Campbellwould allow you to see the best of the Great Ocean Road, skipping the monotonous winding roads between Port Campbell National Park and Melbourne. Like I mentioned before, covering all of these in a day may be a long shot, hence plan for a 2 day Great Ocean Road trip. The Great Ocean Road map highlights 50 of the best attractions, recommended places to stop, and things to do on a self-drive holiday along the Victorian coast to the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park. What is a partial cave, archway and blowhole, The Grotto is definitely something to marvel at. A total of 620 properties were sold via auction last . Children: $99 $94 (3 - 15 years) Minimum age 3 years. Enjoy the iconic Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, hand feed kangaroos and wallabies at Moonlit Sanctuary, visit the famous Brighton Beach boxes and more on a day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island. Griffiths Islandcan be accessed by a footbridge nearby to the wharf and is a great place to do a little bird watching. Bunyip Tours: Great Ocean Road - See 1,943 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. The Great Ocean Road is a 243-kilometre (151-mile) route located along the coast of Victoria in southeastern Australia. Discover. We drove from Adelaide to Portland, spent the night in Portland, and then drove the Great Ocean Road. The drive home will take you inland on country roads (be careful of any cattle or wildlife on the roads) before you hit the highway back to Melbourne. 1 Melbourne: 1-Day Entry Ticket to Melbourne Zoo. Read 1 review. After the last couple of years, it seems everyone wants to be out and about and go travelling. 15 Places Along The Great Ocean Road To Visit On A One-Day Road Trip In In front of us were walls of sandstone, giant waves crashing on the beach, and a rocky peninsula just waiting to be explored. There are also speed traps to catch those not sticking to the limits with fines up to (and above) $300AUD. No Great Ocean road trip is complete without making a stop atMemoria Arch, which is less than 30 minutes from Torquay and a real highlight of the journey. The V/line service offers frequent train travel departing Melbournes Southern Cross Station and running to both Geelong and Warrnambool. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here we joined the largest crowds of people yet, all elbowing for the best place to take family photos. 15 years ago Save Would appreciate any advice for how long it would take to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Scenic Ocean Road. In the shadow of the Otway ranges meeting Cape Otway is the Apollo Bay, midway of the Great Ocean Road. How Much Does It Cost to Experience Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road in Check, (2 hrs It was in this area that we were treated to stunning views. The coastline will be on the left side of the bus for Great Ocean Road tours starting from Melbourne, so if the bus seats are not pre-booked you can try to catch a window-seat on the left side. It sounds daunting but it's going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. Apollo Bay is a popular place, so make sure you have booked your accommodation ahead of time. The Best 5 Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary (Self Drive) Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia - Visit Victoria home Melbourne to Adelaide Drive Great Ocean Road Route Have a great time. But you may not have that luxury of time. This is one of the best things, if not the best, that you can do in the state of Victoria in Australia. Theres so much to see and do, so you dont want to be left feeling rushed and tired at the end of your trip. you really need 2-3 weeks to make the most of this itinerary, especially as you're going to be going over to Kangaroo Island. Great post guys, you have inspired me to take a trip here when I finally get to Australia again! Planning a trip to Australia? Stevenson Falls, Triplet Falls, Little Aire Falls, andHopetoun Fallsare just a few of the many highlights here. This isnt a big deal though as you will still have great views of the scenery either way. The official limit on the B100 (the Great Ocean Road) is between 80-100km per hour; in towns between 50-70km/h, and when there is traffic and during busy periods, as low as 30km/h. Most take this road trip to visit the iconic Twelve Apostles but fall in love with the grandeur of nature. We can recommend a number of excellent companies who all use smaller buses which means more time at stops and more personalized experience. Visit top wilderness destinations and picturesque towns on this epic 3-day tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. Our ultimate destination being Kangaroo Island. But that does not take away from the impressive views at all. While your stop here signals the end of your epic 3 day Great Ocean Road itinerary, youre now on to new and exciting things. Stops. The road covers a driveway of 243 km off the coast with pristine views of beaches, geological marvels, and rich forests. DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For more places to visit around the world, check out our Destinations page. The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us. It seemed like there was another amazing view every 400 meters, so we were jumping in and out of our car a lot. Thanks for your support, kind friend! The starting point of the Great Ocean Road that's closest to Melbourne, Torquay, is 64 miles (103 km) from the city. If you're planning to visit the Great Ocean Road, here's all that you should squeeze into your itinerary. With the last day of your Great Ocean Road itinerary upon you, there is still so much to be seen and experienced. Purchase tickets. 542 Km - Distance from Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 The worlds largest war memorial is built along the road whose story began in 1919 when World War I heroes returned home and started building a memorial for their martyrs. For those wanting to drive a bit further west, theres the historic harbour settlement of Portland which you can visit. Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included. The view of these sandstone pillars along the coastline is one of the Great Ocean Roads most famous. Located just outside of Geelong and only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Avalon Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Great Ocean Road, being only a 35 minute drive from Torquay. Here are a few budget Great Ocean Road tours you should consider. Geelong - The second largest city in Victoria, it is about 30 mins from the beginning of the ocean road trip and worth visiting if you have time. Less traffic on the road and more time to spend at stops. However, when the winds pick up it is best to stay above the Grotto. Whether you are travelling with family, friends or a school group, our Great Ocean Road Private Tour is the best way to explore this scenic coastline. Hi Tracy, November is a beautiful time to travel the Great Ocean Road. It will stop off at most of the popular viewing spots. The distance between Portland Ln to Mildura VIC 3500 is 542 Km by road. What To Know About The Top Chef World All-Stars Contestants MELBOURNE: Melbourne is our favorite city in Australia. A camper van or any sporty rental car is good for the drive through the stunning coastal road. 2 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour. 52 Great Weekends > No 3: Portland No 3: Portland Located a little over 4hrs Melbourne, Portland is well worth the drive. You will also reach the main stops at a different time to the crowds. The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023) - NOMADasaurus It can get quite chilly in winter and autumn, bring your warm clothes and it is always quite windy so keep a windcheater, scarf or cap handy. Taking an organized bus tour from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road is the best way to experience the best of the pictursque route from the comfort of your bus. Made famous for theRip Curl Prohosted every Easter, Bells Beach is not only beautiful but a huge part of both Australian and surf culture. The Great Ocean Road tour allows you to witness the spectacular surf coast of Torquay and Lorne, with their sandy white beaches and curling waves. Head forEastern Beachfirst. A walkway just outside Lorne offers views of the ocean lapping up the mouth of the Saint George River and the Bass Strait. The Great Ocean Road is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne with dual lane highway conditions for most of the journey and excellent signposting. To get you fueled up for your last day head toBohemiaCafe & Barfor a takeaway coffee or a wicked and delicious breakfast. Some people do this as a very long day trip from Melbourne while others can take as long as a week, stopping at towns along the way, leisurely enjoying the beaches, wineries, and historic towns along the way. Portland | Discover the many attractions of PortlandGetting Here - Portland Trust me, though, it'll be worth waking up early for. Before you set off on your adventure though, you should know how long the road is and how long it takes to drive. Recommended option Bus 3h 30m After the gorge youll pass the town of Port Campbell. Not for the faint hearted, Gibson steps are a set of 86 steep steps that head down from the cliffs to the beach near the twelve apostles. And just for NOMADasaurus readers, if you use the Klook discount codeNOMADS10on the website when checking out, youll get $10 off your first booking! Melbourne to Adelaide South East Coast 3 Day Overland Tour. 375km of scenic winding roads along the southern ocean will take you through some of the countrys most beautiful UNESCO-listed landscapes. Tip: If youre hungry on the drive back to Melbourne, stop at Colac for food. Melbourne to Great Ocean Road: Self Drive Tour - 5 Days Bunyip Tours: Cute Penguins - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 941 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. To save even more time, you can cut out Warrnambool completely from your drive. This dive spot is actually a ship that was wrecked off the eastern beach in Port Fairy in 1849. The weather can play a huge part in what is visible and how close you can get to this area. Headout is building the future of how we experience our cities. Join our small group coastal adventure to the beaches, rainforests and more of the Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles are giant limestone stacks jutting out of the ocean that form one of the most recognizable landscapes in Australia. The Arch is a giant archway in the ocean, and London Bridge is the same but is more square instead of arched to it looks like a bridge. And to get your fill of more art you can visit theGeelong Art GalleryandThe Heritage Center. There were no surfers, really there was no one else here other than a few curious people like ourselves. Stunning photos. Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre If that is not an option though, or you dont like the idea of driving on the wrong side of the road, there are plenty of excellent tours likethis onethat will take you to see all the sights including the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell, Otway National Park and more. But all the views are spectacular on this stretch of the Great Ocean Road Trip. Copyright 2023 | Sightseeing Tours Australia ABN: 53 204 539 966 | 252 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |, What should you not miss on the Great Ocean Road, Great Ocean Road Weather Local Weather Forecasts. Its not nearly as scenic to do it this way, but it does save you about 50 km and one hour of driving. It makes for a perfect family day out or holiday with friends. This will start your Ocean Road drive in the opposite direction as most others, avoiding the busy traffic. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them. See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls along the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Other good breaks in addition to Bells Beach includeSan Juc, Winki Pop, Bird RockandSparrowsjust to name a few. From below the steps you can marvel at the 70m limestone stacks from up close and feel the power of nature. It has great local produce, excellent surf beaches, and play parks for the kids to burn off energy. Loch Iel (Pink Lake) The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. Of all the fantastic destinations, the one that really draws travelers from across the world is a Great Ocean Road tour. What is the shortest road distance between Melbourne to Portland via Great Ocean Road? Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria's southwest coast. Built in 1848, it sits at the edge of the ocean almost 90m over the Bass Strait. Before making your way onto day number 3 of your adventure-packed Great Ocean Road trip youll be looking for a place to catch a good nights sleep. READ MORE: Be sure to plan your best trip to Australia by using our Australia Travel Guide! The nearly 250 kilometre road encapsulates some of Australia's most iconic scenery and gives visitors the opportunity to get close to wildlife. The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. You also wont be getting a sunset picture of the 12 Apostles as it will be one of your first major stops. However, if you only have 1 day to work with, then here are some suggestions to save yourself time. But one of the most incredible Great Ocean Road attractions is just around the corner. Another fun way to get to the Great Ocean Road is by using the ferry service from Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula. Explore the cool temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, waterfalls on Great Ocean Road, best viewpoints, koalas, and wildlife. The Animal Condition (Feature Film) 2010 - Jun 20177 years. ULURU: In our Guide to Uluru and Kata-Tjuta, learn how to get here, what to do, and how to plan your time. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong. Visit some of the valleys most impressive wineries, go on a skydiving experience and simply kick your heels and relax. You dont have to miss out on this epic road trip just because you are short on time. From here you are well on your way to having covered a ton of ground. A sandy trail took us down to a beach. Today, it is a spot for whale watching and a centre for learning about the aboriginal history. Finally, we made it to Bells Beach in Torquay, the end point of the Great Ocean Road. 1st Stop: Torquay. The Ultimate Guide To Watch Phillip Island Penguin Parade. I highly recommended checking out Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy. Ultimate Adelaide to Melbourne Drive via the Great Ocean Road BONUS Booking ahead of time ensures you wont miss out on the tour, and get the best price too! All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. These tours are crafted to help you cover most of it in a short span of time, something you may not be able to do as a tourist in the city. You can also carry a pair of flip flops or sandals if you wish to dip your feet in the ocean at Loch Ard Gorge or any other beach enroute. The Great Ocean Road was built as a memorial for soldiers of World War I and this timber arch commemorates them. Make sure you visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon for the best koala viewing times. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. A dormant volcanic crater, Tower Hill is full of Australian wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, emus to name a few) and has lush wetlands and bush. The drive offers plenty of places to stop off and explore. The Obelisk sits atop a rugged coastline, which is rapidly being eroded by the harsh elements. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. To drive direct from the Melbourne CBD to Torquay, where the road officially starts, is 104km, or 1 hour and 20 minutes. Returns: Approx 9:00pm. Victoria is the second-smallest state in Australia but packed with abundant natural beauty, all of which is easily accessible on quick day trips from Melbourne. From the car park, there is a short trail that will lead you right to the viewpoint where youll be gifted with the most incredible sweeping views of Apollo Bay and the coastline. The official length of the Great Ocean Road is around 243 km/ 151 miles. There are 4 ways to get from Melbourne to Great Ocean Road by train, bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. But the Great Ocean Road is about so much more than its sinuous, coast hugging tarmac. Just a few minutes west of the border you'll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. While Tyler and Kara tried to throw each other off of the sand dunes, Tim and I went exploring. We set off from the city at 6am. If you arent restricted to only 1 day, give yourself at least 2 days to do the Great Ocean Road drive. Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. A lot of people will finish the day in Warrnambool and spend the there, as it is the largest town along the Great Ocean Road. 4 From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip. It's also possible to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great . If you're planning your big Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne, here are all the transport options that could get you there. Here at Port Campbell National Park, we spent over two hours hopping from scenic view to scenic view. Both are natural, offshore stone archways. 21 Awesome Things to Do in Ipswich, Queensland (2023 Guide), The Perfect 3 Days in Rockhampton Itinerary, 16 BEST Cairns Day Trips Not to Be Missed [2023 Guide]. Melbourne real estate: Full list of sales, auction results for February For many people, the Great Ocean Road is a highlight when visiting Australia. Home to some of Australia's best-known surf beaches, Torquay marks the official beginning of the Great Ocean Road. 639. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. If you travel one way from Port Campbell to Melbourne (or vice versa), it is a 300 km journey. Complete Road Trip Guide & Holiday Planner - Great Ocean Road Thousands of visitors flock here for summer and for festivals during the year, including the world famous Folkie. Built in honour of the 3,000 soldiers who worked on this stretch of road after WWI, there is now also a sculpture there to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arch. Recommended option Train 4h 12m Take the train from Southern Cross to Warrnambool Warrnambool - Melbourne Via Colac & Geelong $103 - $128 Spectacular and diverse scenery, wildlife, byo tent or book accommodation along the way. You can spend more time at each location and engage in activities like trekking, swimming and adventure sports. Find out more and plan your adventure. Its a highlight of a Great Ocean Road itinerary! At the end of your Great Ocean Road itinerary, you can leave Port Fairy andhead back towards Melbourneon the M8 National highway to take on your next series of Aussie fun. The Great Ocean Road Map of Best Things To See, 50 of the Best Attractions to see Great Ocean Road Stops, Activities and Attractions on the Great Ocean Road. If you want one of the best views in Geelong, grab a seat on theSkyWheel. Great Ocean Road Tours | Australia Vacations & Tours | Goway Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road - Best Routes & Travel Advice If youve hired a car youll most likely collect it at the airport. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Just prepare yourself for a full day with an early start and late(ish) finish. 1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour on Large Coach $105 Monumental. Cruising the Great Ocean Road is ranked amongst the top things to do in Australia. - See 1,941 traveler reviews, 942 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Port Fairy is a tiny town on Victorias iconic shipwreck coast with a charming vibe and an exciting causeway that leads you out to an island worth exploring too. We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market. Burrell received her first James Beard nomination for "Best Chef: Texas" in 2020 and . DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, The PERFECT Great Ocean Road Drive Itinerary (2023). The Great Ocean Road is an adventurers' perfect medley; expect breathtaking natural wonders, charming restaurants serving oh-so-delicious fare and vast wilderness dotted with native wildlife and jaw-dropping vistas. Having your own vehicle is highly recommended so you can really explore all the things to see on the Great Ocean Road, as it really is one of the Australias top destinations. Drive from Melbourne, via the Princes Highway, straight to Warrnambool (over 3 hours drive). The property at 36 Braemar Street sold for $6 million by private sale. Route: Melbourne-Twelve Apostles return, via B100 (Great Ocean Road) Highlights: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay . Stretching 641 km, this route will take you from Melbourne to Warrnambool and back in about nine hours - that means you'll be treated to changing landscapes and plenty of different scenery! This is a rare opportunity to work for a minimum of 3-6 months and with a start date late April. Book Great Ocean Road Tours & Tickets in Melbourne Today - Viator What kind of still camera/lens are you finding most helpful? From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Guided Trip